Belvidere Catholic church expansion broke ground Monday

Monday

Apr 7, 2014 at 12:17 PMApr 7, 2014 at 9:38 PM

By Susan VelaRockford Register Star

BELVIDERE — Catholic dignitaries, parishioners and school children gathered at St. James Catholic Church Monday for a groundbreaking ceremony for a new addition that could house up to 900 more people, nearly quadrupling the church’s prayer space.

St. James, 535 Caswell St., is the only Catholic church in Boone County.

It can seat 325 and, because of space constraints, holds eight masses every weekend — two on Saturday and six on Sunday.

A bishop has not visited for approximately 15 years because there isn’t enough room. Catholic dignitaries have said the church needs more space since the 1950s.

“It’s a great feeling,” the Rev. Brian Geary said prior to the groundbreaking event. “We’ve been through a lot together as a parish community. We’re excited to see it now come to fruition. We’ve needed this for decades. It’s very gratifying to see it happen.”

St. James began as a mission church in 1838. According to church historians, the church’s cornerstone was laid in 1886 and the completed church was formally dedicated in 1889.

November is targeted for completion of the new addition, Geary said. In preparation for the construction, volunteers have conducted some pew and church furniture removal.

The priest said those endeavors should save the parish a significant amount of money. So far, the parish has raised $3 million in pledges for the project. Geary said he’s planning another fundraiser for the fall to finance the difference. He’s not sure what the goal will be.

The Diocese of Rockford has contributed a matching pledge of $75,000.

Susan Vela: 815-987-1395; svela@rrstar.com; @susanvela

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